Innovative Portsmouth doctor receives OBE for services to his profession

In the New Year's Honours list released today, Professor Partha Kar, from Southsea, was awarded an OBE for services to people with diabetes.

Based at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, Prof Kar has not only restructured the way diabetes is treated in Portsmouth, but also helped develop an app to help people manage their health.

‘I really didn’t expect to get a letter like this,’ he said.

‘From being born in Dudley to moving to India as a child, then settling back in the UK, I never imagined I would receive an honour as prestigious as this.

‘I would like to thank everyone at QA Hospital, as they have helped me throughout my career, and my family of their support.’

Since 2010 Professor Kar has moved his department to having a stronger digital focus, so when the Covid-19 outbreak struck earlier this year, his work was largely unaffected.

The 47-year-old said: ‘I started as a trainee at QA in 2003, so Portsmouth is very much my home.

‘We launched the app last year and it already has more than 100,000 users, who can track their diabetes with a simple scan using their phones.

‘Especially during the coronavirus pandemic, where people have been isolated at home, this has proven to be such a valuable tool.’

Last year, he also led a virtual reality trial at the hospital, to help nurses and doctors to practice managing medical emergencies.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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